10 Gorgeous Landscapes You Won’t Believe Are All In France

France is known worldwide for its historic cities and iconic monuments, but its natural landscapes are equally impressive and full of variety. From the rugged cliffs of Normandy to the rolling vineyards of Alsace, the country offers an incredibly diverse range of scenery.

Whether you’re relaxing by the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, hiking in the French Alps, or exploring the lavender fields of Provence, these landscapes showcase the natural beauty of France.

And while I definitely love France’s bustling cities and charming villages, I can’t deny that the outdoors just makes my heart want to sing! I have loved discovering the many varied landscapes that define France’s regions (and can’t wait to discover more).

These are some of what I consider the best landscapes in France – perfect for anyone who just needs to get out in the wide open spaces.

10 Incredible Landscapes in France That Will Surprise and Delight You

1. Etretat

Étretat, located along the Alabaster Coast in Normandy, is famous for its striking white limestone cliffs that stretch along the shoreline.

These stark cliffs tower over beaches below, offering one of France’s most breathtaking natural landscapes that has captivated artists and painters (such as Monet) for generations.

The cliffs around Étretat are carved from Turonian and Coniacian chalk, and the area’s most iconic formations include the Porte d’Aval, a natural arch, and the Aiguille, a slender, needle-like pillar reaching 51 meters high.

Beyond these, the cliffs continue in both directions along the coast, revealing other arches, undulating cliffs, and different offshoots that showcase the impressive work of erosion over time.

Walking along the cliff-top paths on both sides of town is incredibly stunning – as you get to admire the panoramic views of these cliffs and formations, as well as the beaches below.

The town of Etretat is nestled down at the shoreline in between the most dramatic of the cliffs. The town’s seaside promenade and expansive beaches between the cliffs are ideal for relaxing, with plenty of nearby cafes, restaurants, and kayak rentals to enjoy the coast at a leisurely pace.

2. Calanques

Calanques National Park, spanning over 5,000 hectares and 20 kilometers of rugged coastline between Marseille and Cassis, is one of France’s most unique coastal treasures.

The park is home to 26 calanques—narrow, rocky inlets with stunning turquoise waters that wind through steep white limestone cliffs, creating a striking mix of blue, green, and rocky white.

The iconic Calanque d’En-Vau is the most famous, with its secluded cove surrounded by towering cliffs, accessible by a challenging but rewarding hike.

Alternatively, you can go on boat cruises, or go kayaking or take a stand up paddleboard from Cassis or Marseille to get a unique view of En-Vau and the other inlets.

For those preferring a less strenuous option, calanques like Calanque de Port-Pin and Calanque de Sugiton offer easier access with shorter trails, perfect for a day of swimming or sunbathing in a more relaxed setting.

With plenty of coastal paths, scenic vistas, and natural beauty, the Calanques National Park is a must-see for anyone exploring southern France’s Mediterranean coast.

3. Dune du Pilat

Dune du Pilat, located on the Atlantic coast near Bordeaux, is Europe’s tallest and longest sand dune, stretching an impressive 2.9 kilometers.

Part of a protected area that includes the vast La-Teste-de-Buch forest, this enormous dune rises dramatically from the surrounding landscape, with the forest on one side and sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean on the other.

Visitors approach the dune through a shaded path that leads from a wooded area to the open expanse of sand. From March through October, a temporary staircase is essentially constructed into the dune, making the climb up the steep dune MUCH easier.

At the top, you’re rewarded with stunning vistas—looking one way, you see the endless blue of the ocean, often dotted with sandbars; behind you, the dense green of La-Teste-de-Buch forest stretches into the distance, contrasting beautifully with the pale sand.

Once you’re at the summit, find a spot to relax and enjoy the view—sunset is especially popular as the sand and sea glow under the setting sun.

With its unusual position between land and sea, the Dune du Pilat offers a unique experience on the Atlantic coast, perfect for taking in France’s diverse natural beauty.

4. Alsacien Wine Route

The Alsace Wine Route is easily one of the most scenic landscapes in France, winding for 170 km through the rolling hills surrounding the Vosges Mountains of eastern France.

Along this route, you’ll find vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see, dotted with half-timbered villages that look like they’re straight out of a storybook.

The rich, mineral-filled soil and dry climate—thanks to the shelter of the Vosges—have made this area ideal for winemaking for centuries, with vineyards dating back to the 800s. Alsace has 51 Grand Cru vineyards, specializing in dry Rieslings, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc.

One of the best parts of the wine route is stopping in each village to sample the wines. You’ll see “dégustation” signs everywhere, inviting you in for tastings and often a chat with the winemakers.

Many vineyards also offer tours, where you can walk the vines and hear about the winemaking process in this special corner of France.

If you’re looking to really immerse yourself in the scenery, biking along the Alsace Wine Route is a fantastic way to go. With hundreds of kilometers of bike paths, biking is an easy and popular way to experience the vineyard-covered hills and fairytale villages like Eguisheim, Riquewihr, and Kaysersberg.

5. Colorado Provencal

The Colorado Provencal, nestled in the Luberon region of Provence, is a very unique type of landscape in France, featuring red, orange, and yellow ochre cliffs and formations, reminiscent of the American Southwest.

This former ochre quarry offers a unique natural site, with trails that weave through canyons, towering rock formations, and open sandy areas, creating a vibrant and unexpected contrast against Provence’s typical green hills and vineyards.

Nearby, the village of Roussillon offers another ochre experience. Known for being a perched village with charming streets lined with colorful buildings, Roussillon has long been famous for its ochre deposits, which were once a thriving industry here.

The village’s warm-toned architecture and scenic viewpoints make it a great place to admire the ochre-rich landscape and experience Provence’s unique geology and charm.

Together, these ochre sites provide an unforgettable, vibrant backdrop in the heart of Provence.

6. The French Alps

While you can find mountains in several places throughout France, the French Alps are indubitably the place to go if you want to surround yourself with incredible mountain scenery.

The Alps offer stunning views of jagged peaks, deep valleys, and open alpine meadows that change beautifully with the seasons. In summer, wildflowers cover the mountainsides and lakes reflect the surrounding peaks, and pristine snow covers the hills and valleys in winter.

Located in the shadow of Mont Blanc, the tallest peak in the Alps and Western Europe, the town of Chamonix is the center of the French Alps. It’s known for its year-round outdoor activities, bustling town center, and access to trails and attractions galore.

Europeans flock to Chamonix in winter to take advantage of the ski resorts and fantastic trails for winter sports.

In the summer, the region is perfect for hiking, with trails winding through alpine meadows, around glacier-fed lakes, and across scenic viewpoints. One of the most popular hikes is the trail to Lac Blanc, whose reflective waters, surrounded by craggy peaks, make it a favorite spot for both hikers and photographers.

Another can’t-miss experience is the Mer de Glace glacier, which you can reach by taking a cog train up the mountain from Chamonix. Once at the glacier, visitors can tour the ice cave, an impressive grotto carved into the glacier itself.

For panoramic views, take the Aiguille du Midi cable car up to 12,600 feet, where multiple terraces offer sweeping vistas over the Alps.

7. Gorge du Verdon

The Gorge du Verdon, often called the “Grand Canyon of Europe,” is an impressive river canyon in southeastern France, located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.

This natural wonder stretches over 25 kilometers and reaches depths of up to 700 meters, with the emerald-green Verdon River winding through steep limestone cliffs. The striking contrast between the turquoise waters and rugged cliffs makes it one of the most scenic spots in Provence.

One of the best ways to experience the gorge is by kayaking or paddle boating on the river, especially from the popular launching point at Lac de Sainte-Croix.

The lake’s calm waters lead into the gorge, allowing visitors to paddle between towering canyon walls for stunning up-close views of the cliffs.

In addition to water activities, hiking trails like the Sentier Blanc-Martel wind through the rocky terrain and tunnels of the gorge to spectacular viewpoints along the river.

The nearby village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is a must visit when visiting the Gorge du Verdon. Set right up against mountains, this charming village is known for its ceramics, and is the perfect place to unwind after a day of outdoor adventure.

8. The Camargue

The Camargue Natural Park is one of the most distinctive landscapes in France, covering where the Rhône River delta meets the Mediterranean in southern Provence.

This sprawling region is known for its striking mix of wetlands, salt flats, rice paddies, and open pastures, creating a unique environment unlike anywhere else in the country.

Camargue’s salt-rich soils shape its landscape, creating wide, marshy expanses that create a fascinating ecosystem. It’s a haven for wildlife—especially for flamingos, as the park hosts the tallest flamingo species in the world.

You’ll also see many manades (traditional Provencal farms) that breed Camargue horses and Camargue bulls.

These local bulls are particularly aggressive and are smaller and faster than their Spanish counterparts. They play a central role in the area’s bull games that often take place in historic Roman-era arenas in Provence.

In this traditional sport, bulls are not harmed; instead, men try to grab ribbons tied to their horns without getting headbutted by them. Unlike Spanish bullfighting, these events are entirely humane, celebrating the spirit of the bulls rather than a fight.

Camargue’s farming culture is also distinct. The area is France’s main rice producer, and samphire—a red, salty marsh plant—is often harvested here as a local specialty.

samphire

Sainte-Marie-de-la-Mer, the main town in the Camargue, offers a charming base for visitors, with quaint thatched-roof huts, a bullring, and a port. From here, visitors can venture deeper into the park, often with a local guide, to fully appreciate this rare landscape and its deep-rooted culture.

9. Lavender Fields

One of the most iconic and beloved landscapes you can find in France is the lavender fields of Provence. The fields are especially stunning in Valensole and Luberon, two of the most popular areas for lavender cultivation.

In Valensole, just north of Aix-en-Provence, rows of lavender stretch out over gently rolling hills, creating a vast sea of purple under the Provençal sun. In Luberon, the fields are set against a backdrop of rocky hills and charming villages, adding a rugged element to the otherwise purple-hued, open scenery.

Peak lavender season typically runs from the end of June through mid-July, although in the areas around Sault and Drome, the season extends into August.

Lavender can be found and purchased in products and villages all over Provence. It was first made popular for use in perfumes (and you can tour the historic perfume factories in nearby Grasse), but is also frequently used in the famous Savon de Marseille, a southern France brand of soap.

10. Crozon Peninsula

The Crozon Peninsula, located in Brittany’s very western coast, is celebrated for its rugged, dramatic coastline, gorgeous beaches, and diverse landscapes. Jutting into the Atlantic, the peninsula is dotted with striking cliffs, secluded sandy beaches, and lush green headlands, all surrounded by the sparkling sea.

Popular spots include Cap de la Chèvre, a wild and scenic area at the southern tip, and the Pointe de Pen-Hir, where cliffs rise sharply from the ocean, offering panoramic views across the coast.

The area is also part of the Armorique Regional Natural Park, which protects its natural beauty and varied ecosystems. The peninsula’s beaches range from sandy stretches to hidden coves, perfect for swimming, kayaking, or simply unwinding.

There are a plethora of hiking trails on the Crozon, but the most popular is the GR34 coastal path, the full route of which winds over 2000km along the Brittany coast and offers incredible views over the coastal landscape.

The Wrap Up

France’s landscapes are filled with both breathtaking beauty and surprises, offering much more than many first-time visitors realize. Beyond the iconic landmarks, these natural settings are awe-inspiring for outdoor lovers.

Whether you’re drawn to coastal cliffs, peaceful vineyards, or mountain trails, France has a landscape waiting to inspire you.